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Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones runs with the ball against Alabama during the first quarter of the VRBO Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium, Jan. 1, 2020 in Orlando. Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports

Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones reaches across the goal line for a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones high-fives fans as he walks down the tunnel for warmups before the Middle Tennessee State game at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, August 31, 2019. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Donovan Peoples-Jones has a 247Sports.com rating of 0.9924, the highest for a recruit from the state since LB Brandon Graham in 2006. He's the highest-ranked state-of-Michigan recruit on the service since LB LaMarr Woodley in 2003 Ryan Garza, DFP

Donovan Peoples -Jones from Cass Tech high school runs the 4x100 meter relay in at the MHSAA Divison One State Track and Field championships on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Hudsonville Eagles Stadium in Hudsonville MI. Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press Kirthmon F. Dozier

“I’m so excited to play with players like Baker (Mayfield) and Odell and Jarvis," Peoples Jones told reporters during a teleconference Saturday. "They’re really good players and I think that I can come in and soak up a lot of information from them and really take it all in. I’m really excited.”

Peoples-Jones had to wait three days to hear his name called, calling the situation "tough." But in the end, he was grateful to have been drafted. During a nine-and-a-half minute call with reporters, he mentioned he was "blessed" six times.

“I’m very excited," Peoples-Jones said. "I just needed one chance. I’m very thankful to the Browns and their organization for giving me that chance. I can’t wait to be a part of the team.”

Peoples-Jones was one of the more intriguing Michigan players who entered the draft. The former five-star prospect and No. 1 receiver in the 2017 class out of Detroit Cass Tech finished his career with 103 catches for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns across three seasons. He struggled with injuries while providing tantalizing glimpses of his potential.

Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones high-fives fans as he walks down the tunnel for warmups before the Middle Tennessee State game at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, August 31, 2019.(Photo: Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)

His production was a question mark for evaluators throughout the pre-draft process. But Peoples-Jones didn't agree with that sentiment.

“I don’t think that’s a fair criticism," he said. "I did what I could when I had the opportunity. It honestly doesn’t matter now. I’m looking to get better, looking to do everything I can for the Browns offense and the team.”

Despite lagging behind other receivers in statistics, Peoples-Jones — who won The Opening's SPARQ contest as a high school junior — set himself apart with his athleticism. At the NFL combine in February, he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and led all participants in the vertical jump and broad jump.

And he still feels like he has plenty of untapped potential.

“I don’t feel like I’ve started, personally," Peoples-Jones said. "But I’m on an upward trend. I feel like I’m ready. And I feel like it’s going to be a great next couple of years.”

The Browns have retooled their offense, adding offensive tackles Jack Conklin (Michigan State) and Jedrick Wills Jr. through free agency and the draft respectively, and signing tight end Austin Hooper, but the receiving corps after Beckham and Landry remains relatively unsettled. Peoples-Jones could earn a spot as the No. 3 receiver. He could add special teams value, too, as he returned punts for Michigan.

It will be an uphill climb. But he's eager to prove himself.

“I mean, personally, I love competition," Peoples-Jones said. "I rise when the competition rises. Those are two of the best receivers in the NFL, so I’m so thankful for this opportunity to come to Cleveland. I really can’t wait.”